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The countdown is on. As the Recording Academy prepares to unveil the official nominees for the 2026 GRAMMY® Awards tomorrow, World Music Views (WMV) spotlights its top five standout contenders for Best Reggae Album — a category that continues to showcase the heartbeat of Jamaican creativity and global influence.
According to the official submissions list, 73 albums were entered for consideration in Category 66, which recognizes projects containing more than 75% newly recorded reggae material. From that competitive field, only five will earn nominations — and WMV has selected the five albums we believe have the strongest chance of capturing the attention and votes of GRAMMY® members this year.
1. Vybz Kartel – Heart & Soul (Greedy Lion/Vybz Kartel Muzik)
This EP feel under the radar and did not provide any hits but Kartel has had one of the best years in dancehall music’s recent history with his Work’ Boss Tour. Sure he has had other albums deserving of a Grammy like King Of The Dancehall (2016) but Heart & Soul captures where Vybz Kartel is at his moment as an artist- vulnerable and visionary. Kartel’s continued dominance — both musically and culturally has resonated with music fans and insiders alike and following his nomination last year he is sure to get even more voters on his side this year.
2. Keznamdi – Blxxd & Fyah (Keznamdi Music Group)
Keznamdi – BLXXD & FYAHKeznamdi is among the favorites for Grammy voters who are keen on the reggae category. Blxxd & Fyah is a modern roots album that exemplifies the young artist’s evolution and his ability to merge authenticity with global appeal.
3. Mojo Morgan – The Return (Heritage Grown Productions)
Mojo Morgan, a founding member of the Grammy-winning group Morgan HeritageRepresenting the next chapter in the Morgan Heritage legacy, The Return is Mojo Morgan’s versatility as a solo act. As part of the Grammy winning group Morgan Heritage he already has voters empathetic to his cause and the project explores reggae, soul, and worldbeat influences. It’s a sophisticated offering that celebrates heritage while embracing fresh musical frontiers.
4. Cham – Sherlock (Lawless Army Productions)
The album cover for Sherlock, Baby Cham’s third studio albumCham told WMV that the Grammy owes him one from his Ghetto Story days and now, a year when albums from dancehall artist were far and few in between he is poised to revive his career with a Grammy nod. With no Dave Kelly on this project, Cham’s storytelling and experimenting on Sherlock feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking — a dancehall album that nods to his hometown in Kingston.
5. Jesse Royal – No Place Like Home (Easy Star Records)
Jesse Royal “Your Soul” music videoOne nominated for Royal in the 2022 awards, Jesse Royal continues to stand as one of reggae’s most consistent torchbearers. No Place Like Home expands his sound with live instrumentation and collaborations that highlight reggae’s global reach. The album’s messages of unity, self-discovery, and resilience strike a chord in a year defined by cultural reflection and renewal. Easy Star’s team run by Michael Goldwasser could give hime an edge too.
English (US) ·